Buffalo Sabres: 3 under-the-radar standouts at development camp

The Buffalo Sabres development camp has come and gone, leaving several standouts at all levels on the pyramid. Who stood out the most?

Not every prospect at this week’s development camp will suit up for the Buffalo Sabres in their respective hockey careers. In fact, only a handful will, considering the sheer talent on the primary roster, leading to a scarcity of actual roster spots.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth keeping an eye on a few prospects, even if their chances of ever seeing the ice in Buffalo are slim. Below, we’re outlining three prospects who caught our eye at development camp, and what their plans are for the upcoming season.

Who stood out at Buffalo Sabres development camp?

1 – T.J. Semptimphelter

In the 3-on-3 tournament, it seemed like T.J. Semptimphelter made highlight reel save after highlight reel save for Team Perreault. Semptimphelter is also familiar with Devon Levi, having served as the Buffalo Sabres projected 1A’s backup at Northeastern for one season.

Semptimphelter played eight games in 2021-22, recording a 0.934 save percentage and a 2.05 GAA. He then moved on to Arizona State, where despite a 15-21-0 record, Semptimphelter recorded five shutouts, a 0.913 save percentage, and a 2.84 GAA.

His plans for 2023 remain unknown. But at this point, he could have a chance to sign with Rochester and end up playing the 2023-24 season with the Sabres next ECHL affiliate.

2 – Jake Richard

Of the three players listed here, Jake Richard, in my opinion, has the best chance to at least make a cameo for the Blue and Gold. He looked good last year, but with another strong camp, Richard won’t be considered “under-the-radar” much longer.

The 6’1, 194 lb winger is coming off his second strong season in the USHL, where he split time between the Tri-City Storm and the Muskegon Lumberjacks, playing in 57 contests and scoring 62 points, 31 goals, and 31 assists. He will be playing college hockey at the University of Connecticut this season.

3 – Joel Ratkovic Berndtsson

Nikita Novikov and Zach Benson understandably garnered the most attention on Team Robert at the 3-on-3 tournament, and for the most part, I was watching them. But two other prospects caught my eye on several occasions: Joel Ratkovic Berndtsson and Viljami Marjala.

But I wanted to roll with Ratkovic Berndtsson over Marjala here since more fans are familiar with the latter thanks to his stint in North America before returning to Finland. Ratkovic Berndtsson found twine three times at the tournament, and his lethal shot should only improve this year when he returns to Sweden.

This past season, Ratkovic Berndtsson saw time with Frolunda in J20 Nationell, where he tacked on 20 goals and 30 points during the regular season. He also saw eight appearances in the SHL, which is where he should see even more ice time in 2023-24.

Source: Sabres development camp takeaways: Is Zach Benson already Buffalo’s best prospect? by Matthew Fairburn

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)